CAN YOU TAKE THE PRESSURE?

Make your own barometer to measure the air pressure

Suitable For

Grade 7

Difficulty

3

Time Required

<24 Hours

Supervision

Advised

What’s it about?

The atmospheric pressure or ‘air pressure’ can be explained as the ‘push’ that air exerts on its surroundings at a given point. The air pressure level can also be an indication of the likelihood of rain occurring and this is measured using a barometer. Make your own weather predictions by building your own simple barometer in the following science experiment:

Topics covered

Barometer, Altitude

What will I need?

PENCIL

CARD

GLASS JAR

BALLOON

ELASTIC BAND

DRINKING STRAW

GLUE

Procedure (Method)

Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.

How does it work?

Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.

When the pressure in the atmosphere goes down, the pressure of the air trapped inside the jar becomes higher than the outside air and the rubber ‘skin’ is pressed outward and in turn the drinking straw pointer goes down. When the air pressure goes up, the air trapped inside the jar is now lower and the rubber ‘skin’ is pushed inward making the drinking straw pointer point upwards. When a high pressure system is on its way, often you can expect cooler temperatures and clear skies. If a low pressure system is coming, then look for warmer weather, storms and rain.

Like the sound of it?

Why not check out the full worksheet in one of our popular e-books?

This particular science project can be found in any of the following Experiland e-books:

A project introduction and background, complete listing of required materials, step-by-step instructions on how to carry out the project, why it works, learn more section, as well as a science glossary with all the relevant terms make up each of the all-inclusive science project worksheets in our e-books!